Davis Autism Approach | Rocky Point Academy

Autism Program

Purpose

Our program seeks to unlock individuals' inherent gifts, empowering them to lead lives of their choosing. Participants gain tools for maintaining focus, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing self-regulation, and behavior management. By learning life concepts, they explore and master the mechanics that drive motivation and responsibility, fostering greater ability and independence. Additionally, the program equips them with skills to form and maintain positive social relationships.

Age

8 years through adult.

Program Length

50-90 hours (Dependent on the client.)

Overview

Our program is centred on each client, adapting to their unique pace, needs, and interests. It is organized into a three-part process: The first step emphasizes self-awareness and self-regulation; enhancing focus, reducing anxiety, and creating a prepared state for learning. The next phase involves developing over 40 fundamental concepts using the multisensory medium of clay, which are explored in the environment and daily life. These concepts serve as the foundation for cultivating problem-solving abilities, motivation, responsibility, and greater independence. The final component, social integration, boosts social awareness by examining the diverse types of relationships and behaviours we have with others. This step also includes learning how to make decisions that align with one's desired identity.

Program Outcomes

These are some of the frequently observed positive and lasting changes:

Decreased anxiety
Enhanced sense of self
Reduction in sensory overload symptoms
Fewer or less intense emotional meltdowns
Improved ability to adapt to change
Increased willingness to try new things
Greater capacity to cause positive change
Enhanced participation in daily activities
Heightened ability and desire to create order in one's self and their environment
Improved interpersonal communication skills
Lower social anxiety
Better ability to establish and maintain relationships
Increased motivation
Greater assumption of responsibility

Program Formats

The following formats can be offered in person or, when suitable, on-line.

Individualized Program
A facilitator works one-on-one with the client throughout the entire program. We encourage family or spouse involvement as much as possible, ensuring the program is integrated more quickly and effectively into the home or work environment. There are no drills or repetitive exercises required at home; we simply ask that the concepts be explored and integrated in a fun, interactive manner. Typically, a program can be completed in about two full weeks (approximately 50 hours). The individualized program option is often preferred because the facilitator completes all of the program with the client, reducing the need for additional work at home.

Coached Program
The facilitator guides the client through the initial portion of the program and then collaborates with a support person, who subsequently implements the program with the client at home. Typically, the coaching program can be finished in about two full weeks (approximately 60 hours). Then, the coaching at home will require a commitment of approximately 100 hours to implement. This program option is tailored for clients who are unable to work with anyone other than their support person or who need the program to be extended over a longer timeframe.

Workshop
This is a five-day group workshop designed for parents, professionals, and spouses, where participants learn how to guide their child, client, or spouse through a program at home. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to support and guide a child, teen, or adult in their daily interactions, decisions, and behaviors. Following the workshop, a commitment of approximately 100 hours is needed to work through the material at home with the individual. This program option is ideal for those comfortable undertaking the work themselves and who desire a comprehensive understanding of the concepts to best support their loved one or client.

Additionally, this workshop can serve as the initial step toward becoming a Davis Autism Approach Facilitator. For more information on the training please call us.

Program Elements

Current neurological science indicates that every brain—whether neurotypical or otherwise—has the capacity to create new neural networks when given the right tools and appropriate developmental progression. Our experience has shown that individuals on the autism spectrum can exceed expectations when provided with the missing pieces.

Our programs and workshops guide individuals in systematically addressing any partially or completely missing developmental pieces. New learning is built upon the participant’s existing understanding and experiences, establishing a foundation for the next step. This approach creates a solid framework that naturally and effortlessly supports their progress toward:

Hover over each box to read more...

Learning Readiness Tools

These tools and techniques foster a mental state that is present, aware, and prepared for learning. They can aid in sustaining attention, enhancing focus, following instructions, improving communication, alleviating stress and anxiety, reducing constant movement, and more. We employ a variety of methods to support this process, utilizing visual, auditory, or tactile approaches based on the participant’s natural strengths.

Developmental

At Rocky Point Academy, our programs are developmental, addressing the root causes rather than just symptoms. Each step builds upon previous experiences, establishing a solid foundation for new growth. With over 30 years of experience with autism, we believe in the limitless potential for growth. Providing participants with the missing pieces allows them to achieve more than one might expect. We believe learning is a lifelong journey for everyone.

Participant-Led and Tailored Programs

We specialize in delivering a personalized approach, catering to each individual's unique strengths and challenges. Our programs are centred around your interests, needs, abilities, and pace. Additionally, we train your support person to help integrate your new tools into daily life.

Engaged & Authentic Learning

There are two main approaches to supporting those on the spectrum. The behavioural approach focuses on modifying specific behaviours, while our developmental approach nurtures natural growth and removes the barriers causing challenges. At Rocky Point Academy, learning is rooted in real-life experiences connected to our clients' interests, fostering lifelong learning, confidence, and the ability to reach their fullest potential.

Transferable Learning

Rather than memorizing scripts or behaviours, we address missing developmental concepts logically and sequentially. This encourages neuro-cognitive and behavioural changes to occur organically. Learning becomes so much a part of them, that they can use the material that they have learned in a subconscious, automatic manner. This provides a solid foundation on which to grow, and the ability to adapt confidently to new real-world situations.

Support

Self Awareness

Sustained Attention

Decrease stress/anxiety, self-monitoring energy levels, awareness of emotional triggers and how to change them, and inhibition (learning how to know when something is not appropriate).